Good Morning Britain has received 311 Ofcom complaints following comments made by presenter Adil Ray about teenage darts sensation Luke Littler’s appearance.
The complaints were lodged with the broadcasting regulator after Ray expressed concerns about the 17-year-old’s health and physique during Thursday morning’s show.
An Ofcom spokesperson confirmed to GB News: “Complaints related to comments made by presenter Adil Ray about Luke Littler.”
The 50-year-old host sparked immediate backlash when he suggested the young darts star was “turning into the look of a darts player.”
Viewers accused Ray of “fat-shaming” the teenage prodigy and called for an investigation from Ofcom over what they described as “shocking behaviour” during the morning broadcast.
The controversy erupted during a segment discussing Littler’s recent success in the World Darts Championship.
ITV GMB: Adil Ray has sparked official complaints for his Luke Littler remarks
ITV
During the broadcast, Ray prefaced his remarks by acknowledging they “might not be very popular” before expressing his concerns.
“I’m a little bit worried about Littler. He’s 17 and he’s turning into the look of a darts player,” Ray said on the programme.
The presenter specifically targeted Littler’s pre-match routine, stating: “He’s admitting to having pizzas before a match.”
Ray doubled down on his position when challenged, adding: “He’s going to get more successful and he can keep on doing it but I don’t want him to get too unhealthy.”
ITV GMB: Luke Littler has ignored the comments by Adil Ray
PA
The host appeared particularly worried about Littler’s lifestyle choices, saying: “If I were his mum and dad, I mean, he’s sort of – look at him. He’s admitted he has pizzas before a match and sits there playing computer games; I just think I’m a bit worried.”
Co-host Kate Garraway attempted to defuse the situation by defending Littler, reminding Ray that the teenager was “so successful” in his career.
Garraway lightened the mood by suggesting Ray should visit Littler’s dressing room with a carrot “to see how that goes down.”
The exchange failed to amuse viewers, with many taking to social media to express their outrage.
“Adil Ray just casually fat shaming a 17-year-old kid on GMB, should be ashamed,” wrote one viewer on X.
Another criticised both hosts: “Your hosts fat shaming Luke Littler, a 17-year-old boy, is unacceptable and unnecessary. Clearly a bitter and unhappy new year for Adil and Kate.”
“I can’t believe the body shaming by Adil Ray on this morning’s GMB about Luke Littler. This programme will have carried disapproving items on body shaming in the past,” another viewer commented.
LATEST DEVELOPMENTS:
Luke Littler was recently crowned the World Darts Champion
PA
Littler and his family have not yet responded to the comments.
The teenager clearly didn’t let Ray’s comments get the better of him as just one day after the remarks, Littler became the youngest-ever World Darts Champion.
In an emphatic display against former winner Michael Van Gerwen, Littler lifted the trophy after winning 7-3.
Van Gerwen was the previous youngest champion when he won the first of his three world titles at 24 in 2014.